Plizio Visual Lab
Ruins of Ujarras
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Ruins of Ujarrás, located in the scenic Orosi Valley, represent the oldest surviving church structures in Costa Rica and are a testament to the early Spanish colonial presence. The original chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción was built between 1575 and 1580 using the calicanto technique, a durable mixture of lime, sand, and stone. It served as a religious anchor for one of the first Spanish inland settlements in the Central Valley. The site is legendary for a reported miracle in 1666, when local lore claims the Virgin Mary repelled an invasion by English pirates led by Mansfield and Morgan. Geographically, the location proved problematic as the proximity to the Reventazón River led to frequent, devastating floods. By 1833, chronic flooding and health epidemics forced the community to abandon the valley floor and relocate to what is now the town of Paraíso. Today, the limestone walls stand within a beautifully landscaped park, serving as a national historic site that preserves the memory of Costa Rica's foundational spiritual and architectural heritage.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Top sights: Orosí River · Lake Cachí · Paraíso, Costa Rica
- Nearby: Guápiles (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 119 | 70 | 76 | 117 | 243 | 239 | 253 | 214 | 231 | 285 | 258 | 162 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Ruins of Ujarrás are an outdoor archaeological site that can be visited at any time. The remains of the old church are freely accessible and invite exploration.
Typical hours
The site is open around the clock with no admission fee or hours. Best visited during daylight to explore the ruins safely.
Photography
Photography is naturally allowed as it is a freely accessible area. Pictures with the nearby reservoir in the background are especially lovely.
Time needed
A walk around the site takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If you want to explore the area and have a picnic, plan an hour.
Combine with
The ruins lie on the shore of Lake Cachí, well-suited for combining with boat trips or fishing. The nearby village of Ujarrás provides traditional cuisine.
Getting there
The site is only accessible by car or taxi, being off the main roads. From Cartago, it's about a 30-minute drive along a scenic route.
Insider tip
Pack a snack as the reservoir provides nice picnic spots. Watch out for mosquitoes, especially in the evening.
History & landmarks
1575
Geography
Facts
- The church was constructed between 1575 and 1580.
- Recognized as the oldest colonial building still standing in Costa Rica.
- The community was formally relocated in 1833 due to floods.
- Built using calicanto, a traditional lime and stone mortar.
- Located in the Orosi Valley, a major coffee-producing area.
- Declared a National Historic Site of Costa Rica in 1920.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ruins of Ujarras (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the ruins of Ujarrás?
They are the remains of one of Costa Rica's oldest churches, dating to the 17th century.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entrance to the ruins is typically free of charge.
Where are the ruins located?
In the Orosi Valley, about 90 minutes away from San José.
Can you have a picnic there?
Yes, there are lovely green areas around the ruins well-suited for a picnic.
When is the best time to visit?
During the day on weekdays is when it is most peaceful.
Ruins of Ujarras: where is it located?
Ruins of Ujarras is located in Costa Rica.
Ruins of Ujarras: what is there to see?
Highlights include Orosí River, Lake Cachí, Paraíso, Costa Rica.
Ruins of Ujarras: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Ruins of Ujarras: why is it worth visiting?
The Ruins of Ujarrás, located in the scenic Orosi Valley, represent the oldest surviving church structures in Costa Rica and are a testament to the early Spanish colonial presence.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in Costa Rica →
Nearby cities
San José
The capital and largest city located in the Central Valley.
Alajuela
Second largest city, located near the main international airport.
Liberia
Capital of Guanacaste province, gateway to beaches and national parks.
Cartago
The former capital, known for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.
Heredia
The 'City of Flowers', known for colonial architecture and its university.
Tamarindo
A popular coastal town and major surfing destination in Guanacaste.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a vast, protected beach known as a world-class surfing destination and a crucial nesting site for leatherback turtles.
Brasilito
A charming, traditional Costa Rican fishing village in Guanacaste, known for its authentic vibe and nearby beaches.
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is an upscale resort town known for its gorgeous white-sand crescent beach, luxury villas, and a world-class marina.
Junquillal
A tranquil, expansive beach celebrated for its ecological preservation and sea turtle nesting grounds.
Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is an exquisite beach unique for its sand made entirely of millions of crushed seashells, bordered by crystal-clear turquoi…
Playa Negra
A legendary surfing beach in Guanacaste featuring dark sand, world-class waves, and rustic coastal charm.
Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas is a stunning beach in Guanacaste, famous for its world-class surfing and laid-back vibe.
History & landmarks
Marino Ballena National Park
Famous for its whale-tail-shaped rock formation and humpback whale watching.
Cano Island
A biological reserve and premier destination for snorkeling and diving.
San Jose Cathedral
The main cathedral of the capital city, featuring a blend of architectural styles.
Corcovado National Park
One of the most biologically intense places on Earth on the Osa Peninsula.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Famous for its beaches, jungle, and immense biodiversity.
Tortuguero National Park
The 'Amazon of Costa Rica', famous for nesting sea turtles.
La Fortuna Waterfall
A stunning 70-meter-high waterfall located near the Arenal Volcano.
Tortuga Island
A picturesque island famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Nature
Pacuare River
World-famous for white-water rafting through breathtaking tropical gorges.
Reventazon River
An important river for hydroelectric power and popular for water sports.
Lake Arenal
The country's largest lake, situated at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Rio Celeste
A river known for its bright light blue color caused by volcanic minerals.
More places
Irazú Volcano
The highest volcano in Costa Rica, featuring a green crater lake.
Guayabo National Monument
The most important archaeological site in Costa Rica from the pre-Columbian era.
El Fortin
A historic fortification tower in Heredia and a landmark of the city.
Cerro Chirripo
The highest mountain in Costa Rica, offering views of both the Pacific and Caribbean.
Poás Volcano
An active volcano featuring a spectacular, acidic crater lake.
Arenal Volcano
A perfectly cone-shaped volcano surrounded by hot springs.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
A mystical cloud forest reserve, home to the resplendent quetzal.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
A park featuring volcanic activity, mud pots, and tropical dry forests.